Your First Visit

As you walk in through the door, you will see a bright and open space that gives you a feeling of Home, Sweet Home. Each wall has a colorful design of hot air balloons, animals, and nature. We have a spacious patient waiting area so your child can play while you are filling out new patient forms. We strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for you and your child. Our caring and friendly staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions.

What to Expect

Your child will receive a thorough exam with our pediatric dentists who will explain all the findings in detail, offer recommendations for how to best care for your child’s teeth, and address any issues of concern. Some of the topics we may discuss with you and your child include brushing techniques for varying stages of a child’s development, proper flossing techniques, diet guidances, fluoride recommendations, vitamin uses, and oral habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use. What we want to deliver is an individualized professional and home care plans that will ensure optimum oral health for your child.

Recommended Age for First Visit

Within 6 months after the first baby tooth arrives or within 1 year of age

Recommendations are published by the following organizations:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)

American Dental Association (ADA)

Our office also recommends a baby’s first check-up between 6 months to 12 months of age because this is time where we give infant appropriate oral hygiene guidances for you in addition to checking the mouth for decay and for proper growth and development of the teeth and the jaw. You will receive information about what to expect in tooth development, how to handle teething discomfort, how to care for baby’s teeth and gums, when to introduce toothpaste, and how to address harmful habits.

Children who have a dental home are more likely to receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care. Let’s start them early in the right direction

Can I accompany my child during the visit?

We have an open-door policy, which means you are welcome to be with your child at all times. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and develop a trusting relationship with your child and allow them to have a positive experience in receiving dental care. Especially for children younger than 3 years of age, it is very helpful to have parents in the room. Often, your child will be on your lap! During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

How can I prepare my child for the first visit?

You can make the first visit to the dentist a positive experience. If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions.We encourage parents to refrain from using frightening words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle”, “shot”, “pull”, “drill” or “hurt”. The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

We strive to make each and every visit to our office a positive and uplifting experience!